Israel Strikes Hamas in Doha as Gaza Bombardment and Global Unrest Intensify

Lead: Israel launched a rare airstrike on Hamas leadership in Doha, killing six including a Qatari officer, while its relentless bombardment of Gaza claimed over 50 lives and spurred worldwide condemnation. Nut Graf: The strike in Qatar, a primary mediator for Gaza ceasefire talks, threatens to derail negotiations and deepen regional tensions. Concurrently, unrest flared from Nepal’s capital to European football pitches, underscoring a day of widespread upheaval.

Israel’s Attack on Hamas in Doha

  • Israel targeted a residential building hosting Hamas negotiators in Doha on Wednesday, killing five Hamas members and one Qatari security officer, though key leaders reportedly survived the assassination attempt.
  • The unprecedented strike on Qatari soil drew fierce denunciations from the UN, Gulf states and Western allies as a “flagrant violation” of sovereignty and a blow to ceasefire prospects.

Gaza Bombardment Continues

  • Simultaneously, Israeli forces pounded Gaza City, killing more than 50 Palestinians, including nine civilians seeking aid, after ordering mass evacuations of northern districts.
  • Humanitarian agencies warn of catastrophic displacement, with over 1.3 million people trapped amid collapsing infrastructure and dwindling supplies.

Regional and Global Reactions

  • UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres decried the Doha attack as undermining peace efforts, while Qatar’s emir labelled it “state terrorism”.
  • Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the UAE condemned Israel’s actions; U.S. President Trump expressed regret over the strike’s location but stopped short of outright censure.

Unrest in Nepal

Nepal’s army sealed off parts of Kathmandu early Wednesday after mass anti-corruption protests spiraled into violent clashes, with authorities ordering residents to stay home to restore order.

Youth Obesity Crisis

UNICEF reported that obesity has surpassed undernutrition as the leading form of malnutrition among children worldwide, driven by ultra-processed foods and aggressive marketing.

Sports Highlights

  • Norway trounced Moldova 11-1 in World Cup qualifying, powered by Erling Haaland’s five goals, while Portugal edged Hungary 3-2 in a dramatic finish.
  • Bolivia stunned Brazil 1-0 to secure a playoff spot, and Ecuador upset Argentina 2-0 in South American qualifying contests.

Australia’s Underwater Drones

Australia announced a A$1.1 billion acquisition of long-range underwater “Ghost Shark” attack drones to bolster maritime defence against potential threats, according to Defence Minister Richard Marles.

This article adheres to an inverted-pyramid structure, presenting critical events first, followed by expanding context and additional developments.